French Onion Grilled Cheese

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Intro:

This French Onion Grilled Cheese combines everything people love about French onion soup and grilled cheese into one unforgettable sandwich. Thick slices of buttery toasted bread are packed with melted Gruyère cheese, tender French Onion Braised Chuck Roast, rich caramelized onions, and served with a savory au jus for dipping. Every bite is crispy, cheesy, beefy, and packed with flavor.

Why This Works:

• Gruyère provides authentic French onion flavor.
• French Onion Braised Chuck Roast adds incredible depth and richness.
• Heavy butter creates the perfect golden crust.
• Caramelized onions add sweetness and balance.
• Au jus takes the sandwich to restaurant quality.
• Crispy exterior and gooey interior create the perfect texture contrast.

Ingredients:

Sandwiches

• 8 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
• 6 tablespoons softened salted butter
• 1½ pounds prepared French Onion Braised Chuck Roast
• 1 cup caramelized onions from the roast recipe
• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, freshly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Au Jus

• 1 cup reserved braising liquid from the French Onion Braised Chuck Roast
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Large skillet or griddle
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Prep:

1. Prepare French Onion Braised Chuck Roast according to recipe instructions.
2. Reserve 1½ pounds shredded beef.
3. Reserve 1 cup caramelized onions.
4. Reserve 1 cup braising liquid.
5. Shred Gruyère cheese.
6. Slice provolone cheese.
7. Butter one side of each bread slice generously.

Instructions:

Prepare the Au Jus

1. Combine reserved braising liquid, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh cracked black pepper in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while preparing sandwiches.

Assemble the Sandwiches

4. Place four bread slices butter-side down.
5. Add a layer of Gruyère cheese.
6. Add shredded French Onion Braised Chuck Roast.
7. Add caramelized onions.
8. Add provolone cheese.
9. Top with additional Gruyère cheese.
10. Finish with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing outward.

Grill the Sandwiches

11. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
12. Place sandwiches onto the skillet.
13. Cook 4–5 minutes per side.
14. Press lightly with a spatula while cooking.
15. Continue cooking until bread is deep golden brown and crispy.
16. Cook until cheese is completely melted and gooey.

Finish

17. Remove sandwiches from skillet.
18. Allow to rest 2 minutes.
19. Slice diagonally.
20. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
21. Serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.

Notes:

• Gruyère is the signature cheese for authentic French onion flavor.
• Provolone adds extra meltability and helps create the cheese pull shown in the image.
• Use medium-low heat so the bread becomes deeply golden before the cheese overcooks.
• Don’t skimp on the butter. The heavily buttered crust is part of what makes this sandwich special.
• Reserved braising liquid creates a much richer au jus than store-bought alternatives.
• Serve immediately for maximum cheese pull.

Goes Great With:

• Air Fryer Seasoned Fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Tomato soup
• Roasted vegetables
• Air Fried Pickles